No strings attached / Leon s. Kennedy

Chapter 9

Amber

I wake up to the sound of my alarm blaring, my head pounding like a jackhammer. Fuck, I really overdid it with the alcohol last night. My hand instinctively flies to my head, trying to rid the throbbing. I groan, squinting at the bright light filtering through the curtains. Fully clothed, still wearing my shoes—ugh. I feel vile.

Flashes of last night start coming back. I remember Leon being in here, having another beer that I offered. He talked about his ex, and I talked about… work? I rub my temples, hoping to ease the pressure in my skull. God, what did I even say or do?

I roll over and sit up slowly, wincing as the room spins slightly. Did I embarrass myself? More than likely. But as far as I can remember, I didn’t say anything too stupid. Sure, I was drunk, but I know myself. I’m good at keeping my mouth shut, even when I’ve had too much. There’s no way I’d let something slip.

Right, Amber?

Still, the nagging feeling won’t leave my brain. I really hope I didn’t say anything incriminating, but everything’s a bit hazy. Shit.

What the hell was I even thinking? Letting Leon accompany me back home, inviting him in? I groan, burying my face in my hands for a moment before I get out of bed. Stupid doesn’t even begin to describe me last night. I must’ve been more drunk than I realized. The more I think about it, the more I'm upset. Why did I let him in?

I sigh, shaking off the lingering embarrassment as I grab some work clothes from my dresser. I don’t have time to dwell on it; I need to get myself together. I rush to the bathroom, taking off my clothes as I walk.

A shower is more than needed right now—if I’m going to survive this day, I need to wash off whatever is left over of last night. As the hot water touches my skin, I let it clear my mind. I’ll just get through the day and pretend none of it ever happened.

As I stand under the hot water, a sudden, horrifying thought hits me. Did I…? No. No way. I shiver, feeling my stomach drop. I didn’t... have sex with Leon, did I? The memory of him being here is fuzzy, but I would never let it get that far because I have tact and class.

I shake my head, reassuring myself. I wouldn’t have let it happen, not with him, not in that state. Still, the fact that the thought even crossed my mind makes me feel uneasy. I finish up my shower, trying to push the worry aside.

After drying off, I throw on a typical office outfit—a crisp white blouse tucked into a long black skirt with black tights underneath. It’s simple, professional, and exactly what I need to help me feel in control again. I dry my hair, tying it back into a low ponytail, and glance at myself in the mirror. Almost there.

I can still taste the remnants of alcohol on my lips from last night. Ugh. I grab my toothbrush and scrub away the stale taste, rinsing out the last traces of bad decisions. I check the time—just a few minutes left before I have to leave. Deep breath, Amber. Today’s a new day. Just get through it.

With one last look in the mirror, I head for the door, ready to face the day, whatever it brings.

On the way out, I pull out my phone, one of those older models with the small screen and keypad that takes forever to type on. There are a couple of messages waiting for me—both from Richard and Andrew. Of course. They’re probably worried about how trashed I was last night.

Richard's message reads: Hey, you good? You were pretty drunk when we left last night. Just checking in.

Andrew’s is pretty much the same: Hope you got home safe. You were wasted.

I roll my eyes but can’t help feeling a little grateful that they checked in. I quickly type out a reply, the phone’s buttons clicking under my fingers.